{"id":12166,"date":"2022-03-23T11:43:53","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T11:43:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/?p=12166"},"modified":"2023-07-17T13:45:37","modified_gmt":"2023-07-17T13:45:37","slug":"is-your-mental-health-affecting-your-ability-to-work-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/is-your-mental-health-affecting-your-ability-to-work-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Mental Health Affecting Your Ability to Work in Ontario?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe height=\"400\" style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eOegZub6Ov8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like most Canadian adults, you probably spend more of your day at work than anywhere else. Therefore, it\u2019s not surprising that the workplace plays a significant role in maintaining positive mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, while being productive at work contributes to your wellbeing, job demands can also be a source of stress. In fact, the workplace is one of the factors that can cause mental health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, poor mental health also affects work performance. In Canada, at least <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.camh.ca\/-\/media\/files\/workplace-mental-health\/workplacementalhealth-a-review-and-recommendations-pdf.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">500,000 people miss work<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> every week because of mental illness. Not only does mental health affect one\u2019s work-life, but it also impacts their personal and economic interests as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you struggling to go to work at times? Do you call in sick because you\u2019re not mentally or emotionally okay? Stigma and discrimination may keep you from disclosing what you\u2019re going through, but you\u2019re not alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By now, you\u2019ve probably understood that there is a strong relationship between mental health and work. Below we will discuss how your state of wellbeing can influence your ability to work and what can be done to improve it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>The Importance of Mental Health at Work<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health comprises one\u2019s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing and it influences the way you think, feel, and act. Moreover, it is just as important as physical health, since it helps you cope with stressors, form good relations and work productively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, stress, lack of sleep and other factors can negatively affect mental health and it impacts everyone differently. While some may quickly bounce back, others may feel weighed down for\u00a0 longer periods of time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health problems can disrupt daily routines, including job performance. It can influence one\u2019s ability to make good decisions, concentrate on tasks, and stay productive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontario.cmha.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/CMHA-Mental-health-factsheet.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21% percent of the working population<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experience mental health conditions in Canada, which affects their productivity. Not only does it take a toll on one\u2019s quality of life, but it also accounts for the astonishing economic costs in Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around 30% of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/personal-injury\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">short-and long-term disability claims<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are associated with mental health problems and 80% of Canadian employers say it\u2019s one of the top three drivers of such claims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These numbers demonstrate just how important mental health is for work. The problem, however, is that only <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccohs.ca\/images\/products\/infographics\/download\/mentalHealth.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-0\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23% of Canadians feel comfortable speaking to their employers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about mental health concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Workplace Rights and Responsibilities for <\/b><b>Mental Health and Productivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A strong level of stigma surrounds mental health issues, but the City of Toronto acknowledges the value of psychological health and safety in the workplace. It recognizes that work can be a source of wellbeing or the cause of stress that leads to one\u2019s poor mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2013, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) released the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mentalhealthcommission.ca\/implementing-the-standard\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It serves as a guide for organizations to promote mental health and prevent psychological harm at work. Moreover, it also tries to address the soaring legal, social and economic costs of mental illness in the workplace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business leaders and other employers should prioritize implementing such standards to protect and support employees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian employers have certain legal obligations, which can contribute to mental health, under the following three frameworks:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Employment Standards Legislation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ontario\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment Standards Act<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psfdh.on.ca\/uploads\/Careers\/ESA-poster.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ESA<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) protects the rights of eligible workers under an employment contract. It covers the minimum wage, rest periods, overtime pay and other conditions of employment that employees are entitled to.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Occupational Health and Safety Legislation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ontario\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.employeradviser.ca\/unlawful-reprisals\/occupational-health-and-safety-act\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Occupational Health and Safety Act<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> protects employees against potential hazards on the job. For example, it includes anti-harassment provisions intended for psychological safety in the workplace.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Human Rights Codes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohrc.on.ca\/pt\/node\/2871\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ontario Human Rights Code<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides that every person must be treated equally in the workplace and that they can\u2019t be discriminated against because of a disability or other grounds. Disability covers a range of conditions, including mental health issues. This means that an employer cannot fire you or refuse to give you a job or a promotion due to a mental health illness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canada has several legislations that focus on the workplace, which support and seek to improve mental health. But, you might need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/personal-injury\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">legal assistance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to understand your mental health rights better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Ways to Improve Mental Health and Productivity in Ontario<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workplace mental health is a topic that every organization should take seriously. Failing to address the negative impacts of work conditions on workers\u2019 mental health can be costly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With that in mind, how can Canadian employers create a work environment that helps improve mental health and productivity in Ontario?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promote Workplace Mental Health Awareness: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employees need a more accepting and open culture. It\u2019s important to normalize mental health conversations to reduce the stigma in the workplace. Educating and training managers about mental health issues is a great way to get started. They can also share their personal mental health experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Invest In Policy Planning and Coverage Resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Employers should review their existing benefits program and ensure that their insurance policy includes mental health coverage. It\u2019s the perfect way to assist employees struggling with mental health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Provide Access To Various Mental Health Supports:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Employees should have access to mental health supports that best suit their needs. Organizations should make it easy for workers to contact mental health professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Foster A Healthy Work\/Life Balance Culture: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An imbalanced work and family life is a stronger risk factor for mental illness. It can burn out employees and hurt productivity. Employers should encourage workers to take regular vacations and spend time with loved ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<style>table td{border:1px solid #000;padding:10px;}table{width:100%;}<\/style>\n<div dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\">\n<table>\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"208\" \/>\n<col width=\"390\" \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\">\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Types of Mental Health Illnesses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood Disorders<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This category of disorders primarily affects one\u2019s emotional state. A person may experience long periods of extreme sadness, happiness, or both. Depression and bipolar disorder are among the most common types of these disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety Disorders<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This category of disorders involves excessive anxiety and fear that is generally disproportionate to the situation. The most common type of anxiety disorder includes phobias and panic disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating Disorders<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This disorder category is characterized by severe and persistent extreme emotions, attitudes, and eating behaviours. They can include anorexia nervosa, binge-eating, and bulimia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h4 dir=\"ltr\"><b><i><br \/>\n<\/i><\/b><b><i>Did you experience discrimination at the workplace due to your mental health issue? Know your rights and call Diamond Law now.<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n\t\n\t\t\t<section class=\"h-protip-sec\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-md-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-md-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Pro Tip <\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><p dir=\"ltr\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cGetting the services of a skilled and experienced lawyer improves the chances of achieving a favourable result.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Diamond Law<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\"><b>Affected Mental Health and Productivity While Working in Ontario? Call Diamond Law<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The excessive workload can affect your ability to be productive and deal with challenges. No matter the reason, it\u2019s always important to address your mental health. If you\u2019re going through a mental health problem and in need of some legal aid, you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diamond Law has a team of experienced lawyers who can help you with disability claims and other legal support. We will do everything we can to protect your best interests. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like most Canadian adults, you probably spend more of your day at work than anywhere else. Therefore, it\u2019s not surprising that the workplace plays a significant role in maintaining positive mental health.\u00a0 However, while being productive at work contributes to your wellbeing, job demands can also be a source of stress. In fact, the workplace&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12167,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1086,1078],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-depression","category-workers","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diamondlaw.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}